Ways to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Environment for Children

Ways to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Environment for Children

Introduction

A healthy and safe environment for children is a universal objective. Providers and staff are versed with the weighty responsibility of caring for young children. Children face some dangers which are not apparent but may have a significant effect on the well-being of the children. As such, this fact sheet gives a categorical overview of everyday health and safety measures that ensure children’s safety in their environment.

Preparing formula feeds

Formula feeds prepared such as meals, drinks, and snacks, should be balanced nutritionally and of the correct ratio. Providers are required to obtain information about any child with a special dietary requirement, food allergies, and preferences before admitting such children to the setting. A clean and fresh drinking water must be provided and should always be accessible. In the case of a child’s dietary needs, providers must communicate with the parents. An area must be set aside, adequately equipped to provide balanced healthy meals as necessary.

Sterilization of feeding equipment

A sterilized area is set aside to prepare children hygienically for food and drink (Pluess & Belsky, 2010). Staff handling food, snacks, and beverages for children should be hygienic, competent, and well trained in food hygiene to manage children’s menu. Feeding tools must be sterilized to maintain cleanliness and keep away bacteria. In case of food poisoning, providers must immediately notify childminder agency with which they are registered. Feeding equipment must be cleaned after meals and stored well to avoid contamination.

Preparation and storage of food

In childcare, food safety and proper storage is everyone’s responsibility (del Valle & Bravo, 2013). Children are vulnerable to bacteria that cause food poisoning. When preparing food, providers must ensure that their hands are clean and that the food is made in a clean environment. . Exteriors should be clean and free from any pets. . Both raw and cooked food must be stored in a safe place far away from pets and other bacteria. Storing facilities like fridge are highly recommended, but food stored in the freezer should be eaten within two days.

Safe disposal of waste

            In a childcare setup, pets waste can be a significant cause of infection and disease to children, and therefore proper and safe waste disposal is necessary. Garbage and trash should be cleared out and taken to disposal centers regularly.  Garbage containers should be washed and disinfected periodically to reduce contamination. Metallic and highly durable plastic bins are recommended as they do not leak nor absorb odors. Containers should be enough to ensure no overflow of waste. After waste disposal, containers and liners should be thoroughly washed to keep away pest infestation.

Care of pets

Advantages of having a pet in this setting must be weighed against possible health risks associated with the pets. Children must be warned against playing with animals while eating. Children must also wash their hands after playing with the animals. Animals should be checked regularly by vets and their wastes adequately disposed of. Disposing of waste should not include children as children are vulnerable to infections.

Conclusion

            Sterilizing feeding equipment, preparing right formula foods and proper food storage, safe disposal of wastes, and adequate care for pets are some of the best practices in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children.

Reference

Pluess, M., & Belsky, J. (2010). Differential susceptibility to parenting and quality child    care. Developmental psychology, 46(2), 379.

del Valle, J. F., & Bravo, A. (2013). Current trends, figures and challenges in out of home child   care: An international comparative analysis. Psychosocial Intervention, 22(3), 251-257.